*other than those made by corduroy pillows.

There are some things that seem too good to be true. My favourite newspaper headline for a long time is in today’s Independent: “Giant Minion terrorises drivers in Ireland as 40ft inflatable blocks traffic on Dublin road” – you can read the story here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/giant-minion-terrorises-drivers-in-ireland-as-40ft-inflatable-blocks-busy-dublin-road-10436179.html

The picture that accompanies the story is perhaps even better than the headline:

If you have never seen Despicable Me or the profoundly named sequel Despicable Me 2 or even the spin-off film Minions you may not understand the significance so let me explain. The Minions are well-meaning, mischievous, seemingly indestructible little beings who support Gru (the villain / main character) in the first two films. Minions are easily distracted from their task, especially by bananas, words that sound rude and other. They are constantly getting into / causing trouble. It seems entirely appropriate that a giant inflatable minion should disrupt traffic.(If you are not worried about spoilers you can see the trailer for the latest film here).

Above all, however, minions live to serve. Their purpose in life is to support their master.

Christians are called to serve, and serving is one of the highest callings: Jesus said that greatness is measured by service, not by being served. However we are not called to be minions. To paraphrase the Bible (if you will permit me), Jesus said, “I don’t call you minions, I call you my friends.”

That blows my mind every time. Jesus the Christ, Son of God, calls us his friends!

Be blessed, be a blessing